BB Cream vs CC Cream? What's the difference?

Once and for all….

An expert breaks it down.

Nowadays, it’s rare to find a product that doesn’t promise additional benefits beyond its intended purpose.

The following written content by Aryelle Siclait

Nowadays, it’s rare to find a product that doesn’t promise additional benefits beyond its intended purpose. There’s shampoo that claims to help hair grow, polish that strengthens brittle nails, and moisturizer that doubles as sunscreen. Makeup is no different. But when products—lookin’ at you BB cream and CC cream—both promise to cover up breakouts and uneven skin tone while packing a ton of added benefits, how on earth are you supposed to know which one is right for you?

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These two all-in-one creams claim to put one-hit-wonders like foundation, concealer, and tinted moisturizer to shame, but when it comes down it, they all look the same. And like most members of the “alphabet creams,” the acronymic names don’t give away much in terms of what these products actually do.

Enter celebrity makeup artist Mia Jones. Even she admits, “If I were a novice having to decipher between all of these products, I would find it overwhelming.” But, despite their superficial similarities, these products are totally unique. Some zap environmental toxins, another reduces the appearance of fine lines, while one even targets skin conditions. BB and CC creams do what the other products don’t—show skin extra TLC while covering blemishes, and ultimately reducing the number of creams you’ll have to apply.

Ahead, Jones breaks down exactly what a BB cream is, what a CC cream is, and how they differ from the host of lookalike products available on the market. Trust, shopping for makeup is about to get a whole lot simpler.

Okay, so what is BB cream exactly?

A BB cream or “beauty balm” cream, is a lightweight formula that includes, “a skincare aspect, sun factor, and brightener,” says Jones. These perks are what makes it a standout among other makeup products. BB creams act as a barrier to protect your skin from environmental toxins courtesy of pollutant-fighting antioxidants. It also loads the skin up with nourishing ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and Vitamin E to plump the skin, brighten it, and reduce the appearance of dark spots and fine lines.

Once applied, Jones adds, you can expect a velvety, dewy finish. So, most BB creams work best for those with dry skin, BUT there are some great oily-skin options out there, too.

With BB cream, you won’t end up with a full-glam look à la foundation, but the light coverage is buildable. Jones recommends BB cream for an everyday or no-makeup makeup look and for those who prefer to let their skin breathe a bit more throughout the day or let their freckles peek through.